HOW FILMMAKERS MANIPULATE OUR EMOTIONS WITH COLOR

An explainer video written and produced for The Verge (a tech news and media network operated by Vox Media). The story was created with intent to break down a technical theory into something entertaining, relatable, and shareable.

ROLE

Writer & Producer

BRIEF

I searched for a subject that was largely unexplored but easily digestible, and relevant to current events but capable of remaining evergreen. After brainstorming a list of pastimes that appealed to a broad demographic, I landed on movies. I became intrigued by the matching aesthetic of current feature films. As I searched for the reasoning behind this trend, it was evident that a large audience would also find this study captivating.

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

The story developed through research on color theory, color grading, and old films that demonstrate this trend. A fact- checking team proofed the information to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The studies were organized into an outline and then supplemented with humor. I visually explained the concept by combining multiple forms of media. This included sourced online content, footage from video shoots, screen recordings of color grading sessions, and motion graphics.

Challenge: Creating evergreen content.

With the mission to produce a piece that elevated my personal growth, I was able to create a video that others connected with as well. It was shared among content creators that might apply some of this information to future projects, along with audiences that appreciated film. I included references from a range of films, which pushed the video out of a narrow lane that could be labeled as dated.

Challenge: Converting technical research into relaxed conversation.

Much of the research was technical with industry-specific terminology, which presented the possibility of turning awaycasual viewers. I worked to make the script enjoyable, present facts succinctly. I then walked through the script with the voice-over actor, providing direction on cadence and timing in order to achieve an informal tone.

BIG RESULTS

“How Filmmakers Manipulate Our Emotions With Color” was published on October 11, 2015, on The Verge’s YouTube channel and has accumulated over 1.1 million views to date.